Volt-Age launches ASCENT call to advance dual-use research innovation and technology development

Canada’s energy transition will require new technologies that can help communities, industries and governments meet growing energy challenges.  
 
Through its new ASCENT Call for Proposals, Concordia’s Volt-Age research program is providing researchers with funding to turn promising ideas into practical solutions. 

The call will support projects that develop and test technologies from improving clean energy systems and reducing emissions to strengthening Canada’s ability to respond to future energy needs. Researchers will work with partners across academia, industry, government and communities to move innovations closer to real-world use. 
 
ASCENT is designed to strengthen university-led innovation in dual-use technologies — innovations that can serve both civilian and security applications. The program aims to reduce barriers that often prevent researchers from collaborating with industry, government and other organizations on the development of critical technologies. 

By supporting interdisciplinary partnerships and applied research, ASCENT will help accelerate the development of technologies that contribute to Canada's energy transition while enhancing the country's long-term resilience and innovation capacity. 

Selected projects will receive up to $2 million in funding over two years, with successful teams beginning their work in January 2027. 

ASCENT will support activities including experimentation, testing, rapid prototyping, validation and technology development. The program also encourages applicants to consider issues such as accessibility, public policy, governance and knowledge mobilization as part of their research plans. 

"Canada's energy transition depends on turning strong research into practical solutions," says Tim Evans, Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Impact at Concordia. "ASCENT will help researchers work with partners across sectors to develop technologies that can address real-world challenges while supporting Canada's energy and innovation goals." 

The call is open to applicants affiliated with Concordia University. Co-applicants may be affiliated with Concordia, a Volt-Age partner institution — the University of Calgary, Dalhousie University or Toronto Metropolitan University — or another Canadian post-secondary institution. Eligible partners include Canadian companies, not-for-profit organizations, government organizations, Indigenous organizations and Crown corporations. 

The application deadline is August 31, 2026, at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Results will be announced in November 2026. 

Learn more and apply today.